New York is supposed to be the city the never sleeps, yet you’ll find few high end salons open late when it’s most convenient for you (or for late-night hair emergencies). The Red Market salon is an exception, and combines excellence and artfulness with sheer convenience. Located across from the Gansevoort Hotel in the meatpacking district, with a view of Pastis, this friendly, cutting-edge salon in a loft has a welcoming, warm vibe and boasts some of the best stylists in the city. Red Market was founded by David Cotteblanche and Renald Ricard, two stylists who worked at both Jacques Dessange International in Paris and Frederic Fekkai in New York City.

I went in for a balayage treatment (highlights hand-brushed onto hair), and met stylist Dana Ionato, who was both elegant and down-to-earth. She listened to what I wanted, which was highlights that would blend in with the occasional (and increasingly frequent) white hairs I see cropping up in the mirror. Then she explained the balayage process and how she would achieve highlights that could blend in with and somewhat mask my multiplying white hairs. Growing weary of constant coloring, I was looking forward to a style that would render it unnecessary, and hoping one was even possible.

And I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I left Red Market completely elated. The result was a natural-looking blend of highlights, white hair and blond hair. I felt I had finally found an impressive, convenient salon that was more in tune with my own late-night schedule – and where I could find the cuts and coloring I want (from what I observed, the cuts at Red Market are equally superb).

I can’t laud this place enough – you simply have to experience it firsthand. It was voted New York’s Best Late Night Salon by New York Magazine, and warrants applause any time of day. Check out everything it has to offer at http://www.redmarketnyc.com, and call for an appointment. You can always stroll over after savoring dinner at Pastis.